EP3019405B1 - Device and method for folding open, filling, and closing packing coverings - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus for unfolding, aseptically filling and aseptically closing packaging coats, comprising: a transport device comprising a conveyor belt and cells connected to the conveyor belt for transporting the packaging coats, a device for unfolding and feeding the packaging coats to the cells of the transport device, a device for Sterilizing the packaging shells of a device for folding and closing the bottom surfaces of the packaging shells, means for filling the packaging shells with contents, means for folding and closing the gable surfaces of the packaging shells, and an aseptic chamber.

The invention also relates to a method of unfolding, aseptically filling and aseptically sealing packaging sheaths comprising the following steps: a) unfolding and feeding the packaging shells to cells attached to a conveyor belt, b) sterilizing the packaging sheaths, c) folding and closing the bottom surfaces of the packaging sheaths , d) filling the packaging shells with contents, and e) folding and closing the gable surfaces of the packaging sheaths.

• " Aseptische Verpackungsmaschinen für die Nahrungsmittelindustrie: Mindestanforderungen und Rahmenbedingungen für einen bestimmungsgemäßen Betrieb" (Nr. 11/2006; Februar 2006 ), und
• Merkblatt "Hygienische Abfüllmaschinen der Klasse V nach VDMA: Prüfung von Packmittelentkeimungsvorrichtungen auf deren Wirkungsgrad" (Nr. 6/Juli 2002 ; überarbeitete Fassung Juli 2008).

For the purposes of the invention shown and described below, the term "aseptic" in accordance with the following publications of the VDMA (German Engineering Federation):

• " Aseptic Packaging Machines for the Food Industry: Minimum Requirements and Conditions for Proper Operation "(No 11/2006, February 2006 ), and
• Leaflet "Hygienic filling machines of class V according to VDMA: Testing of packaging decontamination devices for their efficiency" (No. 6 / July 2002 ; revised version July 2008).

According to the abovementioned publications, the term "aseptic" requires, in particular, a germ reduction rate of the filling or packaging plant of at least four orders of magnitude (at least four "log levels", which corresponds to a reduction of at least 99.99%). The germ reduction rate is determined by means of defined test methods with suitable test germs. Not every plant known from the prior art with aseptic or sterile properties can therefore be regarded as "aseptic" in the sense of this invention.

Packaging can be made in different ways and from a variety of materials. A widespread possibility of production is to produce a blank from the packaging material, from which by folding and further steps first a packing jacket and finally a packaging is formed. This variant has the advantage, among other things, that the blanks are very flat and can therefore be stacked to save space. In this way, the blanks or packing coats can be made at a different location than the folding and filling of the packaging coats done. As a material composites are often used, for example, a composite of several thin layers of paper, cardboard, plastic or metal. Such packaging is widely used, especially in the food industry.

Numerous devices and methods are known in the field of packaging technology, with which flat folded packaging coats can be unfolded, closed on one side, filled with contents and then completely closed.

Conventional non-aseptic devices and methods for unfolding, filling and sealing composite packages are known, for example, from US Pat EP 0 112 605 A2 or the US 3,060,654 known. In these systems, the packing shells are typically transported by conveyor belts or other means of transport from one station to the other stations EP 0 112 605 A2 or the US 3,060,654 However, known systems have the disadvantage that the packing coats are protected at any point from germs. Neither active sterilization or sterilization is provided, nor is it intended to maintain the state achieved by the sterilization. With these devices and methods, therefore, only food can be packed, which in any case must be consumed within a short time or where a continuous cooling ("cold chain") must be ensured, such as fruit juices. For filling and packaging of foods that have been sterilized themselves to be durable for a long time, are suitable from the EP 0 112 605 A2 or the US 3,060,654 therefore not known.

An improvement in the durability can be achieved by systems in which the packages are sterilized before filling. In addition, the state achieved by the sterilization should be maintained. For this purpose, often the means of transport with which the packages are transported - for example, conveyor belts or mandrel wheels - completely enclosed by a chamber. This has the purpose of protecting the packages from re-contamination following sterilization. Such a device is for example from the US 4,590,734 , of the US 5,534,222 or the US 4,375,145 known. However, to arrange the means of transport completely within a chamber has the disadvantage that such chambers must have a very large volume, which must be completely sterilized or, at any rate, must be kept sterile. Another disadvantage of a complete enclosure of the means of transport through a chamber is that the components lying within the chamber are difficult to access for cleaning, maintenance or repair work. In addition, it has been found to be disadvantageous that the means of transport can not be lubricated in a conventional manner, since conventional lubricants, such as oil or grease, regularly do not meet the hygienic requirements that must be met in the chamber.

The volume to be sterilized can be reduced by not enclosing the transport medium along its entire course by a chamber. Instead, the packages to be filled can be introduced together with the means of transport in an aseptic chamber and led out of this chamber after filling and possibly further steps. Such systems are thus more of an aseptic "tunnel" than an aseptic chamber. At the entrance and exit of the tunnel locks are provided to ensure a seal of the tunnel - for example, by a "curtain" of sterile air. Such devices and methods are for example from the WO 2011/002383 A1 known. The problem remains, however, the fact that the means of transport - at least in a portion of the system - are passed through the aseptic tunnel and thus could carry contaminants, for example in the form of lubricant or dust, into the tunnel.

Against this background, the invention has the object, as well as the above-mentioned and previously described method to design and further develop the above-mentioned method such that, despite the most economical use of sterilizing means improved hygiene in the filling of composite packaging achieved becomes.

This object is achieved in a device according to the preamble of patent claim 1, characterized in that the cells are arranged at least in a portion of the device within the aseptic chamber, while the conveyor belt is arranged outside of the aseptic chamber.

The invention is based on the idea of enclosing only the immediate environment of the packaging jackets to be sterilized from the aseptic chamber. In particular, only the cells which carry and guide the packing shells should be arranged inside the aseptic chamber, while the conveyor belt to which the cells are connected is located outside the aseptic chamber.

Cells are understood to mean any elements which are suitable for carrying packaging coats, for example clamping elements, frames, containers or the like. By a conveyor belt is meant any means capable of moving the cells, for example belts, chains or the like. Although the solution according to the invention is structurally more complex, it has the considerable advantage that the conveyor belt can not carry any contaminants into the aseptic chamber. In addition, the volume of the aseptic chamber may be smaller when the conveyor belt is outside the aseptic chamber. The removal of the conveyor belt and the small chamber volume allow a very high degree of purity within the aseptic chamber despite a more economical use of sterilizing agent (eg hydrogen peroxide). This results in a particular suitability for filling very sensitive content such as food. An aseptic chamber is understood to mean a space which is suitable for shielding a certain volume, in particular aseptic air, from an external environment, in particular non-aseptic air. Sterile, ie largely germ-free conditions, for example, by in the WO 2010/142278 A1 described device and generated by the method described therein.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the aseptic chamber has a wall with a slot extending in the transport direction. This embodiment is a structurally particularly simple way to let the cells run within the aseptic chamber although the conveyor belt runs outside the chamber. For the cells can be guided, for example, through a narrow holding arm, which extends from the conveyor belt through the slot into the interior of the aseptic chamber and is connected there to the cells. Preferably, the slot is sealed with a seal.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the cells, at least in the area of the device for sterilizing the packaging coats, the device for folding and closing the bottom surfaces of the packaging coats, the device for Filling the packing shells with contents, and the means for folding and closing the gable surfaces of the packing shells are arranged within the aseptic chamber. Preferably, the cells are continuously disposed within the same aseptic chamber during said steps and between said steps. By arranging the cells only in the hygienically particularly critical steps of sterilization, bottom folding / sealing, filling and gable folding / sealing within the aseptic chamber, the volume to be kept sterile can be further reduced. The cells are thus introduced into the aseptic chamber before or during the sterilization and again led out of the aseptic chamber during or after the gable folding / sealing. In this embodiment can also be spoken of an aseptic "tunnel". The conveyor belt runs constantly outside the aseptic chamber. Preferably, the entrance and the exit of the aseptic chamber are sealed. This can be done, for example, by a "curtain" of sterile air.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the device has a device for removing the filled and closed packaging jackets from the cells of the transport device. The filled and closed packing shells must be removed from the cells of the transport device so that the cells can again accept new, not yet filled packing shells. This can for example be done by gripping arms that grip the packing shells at the seams that form when sealing the gable surfaces and the bottom surfaces ("fin seams"). Preferably, the gripping arms follow this briefly for the direction and the speed of the conveyor belt.

According to a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the conveyor belt and the cells are arranged in a horizontal plane. This design ensures that the packing shells are guided in a horizontal plane. This has the advantage that the packing shells and possibly their contents are not exposed to vertical accelerations. In addition, the arrangement in a horizontal level has the advantage that all areas of the plant are equally accessible, for example, to carry out cleaning, maintenance or repair work.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the device comprises means for pre-folding of the bottom surfaces and the gable surfaces of the packing shells. In this case, those fold lines are pre-broken, which are located between adjacent bottom surfaces and adjacent gable surfaces respectively between bottom surfaces and adjacent side surfaces and between gable surfaces and adjacent side surfaces. The purpose of this pre-breaking is to make the fold lines more flexible, so that the final folding can be faster, easier and more precise.

The reliability of the device can be increased by providing according to a further embodiment of the invention, that the device comprises at least one means for discharging defective packing coats from the cells and - if the device is arranged in the region of the aseptic chamber - from the aseptic chamber , Defective packing shells may cause the device to come to a standstill. For example, an improperly folded packing sheath could fall out of the cells. In addition, a bad folding could lead to a sufficiently tight seal of the soil or the gable succeed. Both a packing sheath that has fallen out of the cell and a leaking packing sheath could cause the contents not to remain in the packing sheath when being filled but to contaminate the device, which often requires several hours of cleaning and disinfection of the device. This can be avoided by means of which defective packing shells are rejected or discharged. For this purpose, preferably sensors, in particular optical sensors are provided which determine the state of the packaging shells. Since it would be associated with a high cost to replace the defective packaging coats by proper packing coats, it is instead proposed to the filling and the other processing steps in the Area of that cell, which carries the defective packing jacket or no packing jacket, suspend or at least stop.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the device has a device for finishing the packaging shells, in particular for applying the ears of the packaging shells. The final production brings the already filled and sealed packing coats into their ready-to-sell form. In particular, protruding areas of packaging material ("ears") are created in the final production. A fixation of the ears can be done for example by a treatment with hot air or adhesive. Preferably, the packing shells have already been removed from the cells in the area of final production.

A further increase in hygiene can be achieved according to a further embodiment of the invention in that the device has a device for conditioning the cells, in particular for cleaning, disinfecting and / or drying the cells. The conditioning device is preferably arranged between the device for removing the packaging shells and the device for feeding the packaging sheaths. This has the advantage that the cells in this area do not wear packing coats, so that the cleaning, disinfection and drying of the cells can be done very thoroughly.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the device for filling the packaging coats with contents is a rotary machine. During filling, the advantage of a rotary machine lies above all in a more compact construction of the device, since the region in which the conveyor belt is deflected is also utilized for filling the packing shells. The rotary machine preferably has co-rotating filling outlets.

In a method according to the preamble of claim 11, the object described above is achieved in that the cells at least in a partial area be passed through an aseptic chamber while the conveyor belt is guided outside the aseptic chamber.

As stated previously for the device, there is an advantage of outsourcing the conveyor belt from the aseptic compartment to a more compact form of the aseptic compartment and improved hygiene.

In a further embodiment of the method, it is proposed that the cells are guided through the aseptic chamber at least during steps b), c), d) and e). Limiting the guidance of the cells in the aseptic chamber to the hygienically particularly critical steps of sterilization, bottom folding / sealing, filling and gable folding / sealing makes it possible to reduce the volume to be kept sterile. For this purpose, the cells are introduced into the aseptic chamber before or during sterilization and removed again from the aseptic chamber during or after the gable folding / sealing.

A further teaching of the invention provides that after step a) and before step b) the following step is carried out: aa) pre-folding of the bottom surfaces and / or the gable surfaces of the packing shells. In this case, those fold lines are pre-broken, which are located between adjacent bottom surfaces and adjacent gable surfaces respectively between bottom surfaces and adjacent side surfaces and between gable surfaces and adjacent side surfaces. The purpose of this pre-breaking is to make the fold lines more flexible, so that the final folding can be faster, easier and more precise. It can be provided that both the bottom surfaces and the gable surfaces are prefolded before step b) (sterilization). This has the advantage that dust formed during the prefolding does not affect the result of the sterilization. However, it is also sufficient that the bottom surfaces are prefolded before step c) and that the gable surfaces are prefolded before step e).

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that after step a), in particular after step aa) and before step b), the following step is carried out: ab) removal of defective packing shells from the cells of the transport device. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that after step c) and before step d), the following step is carried out: ca) removal of defective packaging coats from the cells of the transport device and from the aseptic chamber. An ejection of defective packaging coats has above all the advantage already described above that the device works more reliably and as possible without interruptions.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the packing shells are guided along a circular path during step d). The leadership of the packaging coats along the circular path has the advantage of a compact design of the device. To compensate for the centrifugal forces created by the rotation of the filling device, it can be provided that the packing shells are guided obliquely in the region of the filling device.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that after step e) the following step is carried out: f) removing the filled and sealed packing shells from the cells of the transport device. The removal of the packaging coats is required in a device with endlessly circulating conveyor belt in order to be able to load the cells again with packing coats.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the following step be carried out after step f): g) Finishing the packing shells, in particular applying the ears of the packing shells. By finishing the packing coats are brought into a salable condition.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that after step f) the following step is carried out: h) Conditioning of the cells of the transport device, in particular cleaning, disinfecting and / or drying the Cells of the transport device. By conditioning the cells, the hygiene of the process can be further improved. Preferably, the steps g) (final production) and h) (conditioning) can take place simultaneously, since the packaging coats are no longer in the cells during final production, which are to be conditioned.

A particularly uniform and thus low-wear operation can be achieved by the conveyor belt and the cells have a constant speed after a further embodiment of the method. Alternatively it can be provided that the speed of the conveyor belt is changed, wherein the speed is always greater than zero. For example, a cyclic variation of the speed, in particular a fluctuation about an average, can be provided. The conveyor belt should therefore be stopped at any time, as would be the case with an intermittent operation. A cyclic variation of the speed of the conveyor belt allows an optimization of certain process steps, for example, the introduction of the packaging coats into the cells.

According to a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that the conveyor belt and the cells are guided in a horizontal plane. As has already been described above with regard to the device, an advantage of the arrangement in a horizontal plane lies in the avoidance of vertical accelerations as well as in a good accessibility of the packing shells and in a simpler construction of the device.

Finally, according to a further embodiment of the method, provision is made for a continuous supply of sterile air within the aseptic chamber. The aseptic chamber can not be hermetically sealed in operation despite seals and locks. In order to prevent non-sterile ambient air from entering the aseptic chamber, continuous delivery of sterile air into the aseptic chamber is suggested. As a result, sterile air in small quantities from the incompletely dense Aseptic chamber escapes. In this way, the inflow of nonsterile air into the aseptic chamber is prevented.

Fig. 1A

einen aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Zuschnitt zum Falten eines Packungsmantels,

Fig. 1B

einen aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Packungsmantel, der aus dem in Fig. 1A gezeigten Zuschnitt gebildet ist, im flach gefalteten Zustand,

Fig. 1C

den Packungsmantel aus Fig. 1B im aufgefalteten Zustand,

Fig. 1D

den Packungsmantel aus Fig. 1C im befüllten und verschlossenen Zustand,

Fig. 1E

den Packungsmantel aus Fig. 1C im befüllten, verschlossenen und verkaufsfertigen Zustand,

Fig. 2

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Auffalten, Befüllen und Verschließen von Packungsmänteln in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 3

einen Teil der in Fig. 2 dargestellten Vorrichtung im Querschnitt entlang der in Fig. 2 eingezeichneten Schnittebene III-III, und

Fig. 4

den Ablauf eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Auffalten, Befüllen und Verschließen von Packungsmänteln in einer schematischen Darstellung.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only a preferred embodiment. In the drawing show:

Fig. 1A

a blank known from the prior art for folding a packing jacket,

Fig. 1B

a known from the prior art packing jacket, which consists of the in Fig. 1A formed blank, in the flat folded state,

Fig. 1C

the packing jacket off Fig. 1B in the unfolded state,

Fig. 1D

the packing jacket off Fig. 1C in the filled and closed state,

Fig. 1E

the packing jacket off Fig. 1C in the filled, closed and ready for sale,

Fig. 2

a device according to the invention for unfolding, filling and closing of pack coats in a plan view,

Fig. 3

a part of in Fig. 2 illustrated device in cross section along in Fig. 2 Plotted sectional plane III-III, and

Fig. 4

the sequence of a method according to the invention for unfolding, filling and sealing of pack coats in a schematic representation.

In Fig. 1A shows a known from the prior art blank 1, from which a packing jacket can be formed. The blank 1 may comprise a plurality of layers of different materials, for example paper, cardboard, plastic or metal, in particular aluminum. The blank 1 has a plurality of fold lines 2, which are intended to facilitate the folding of the blank 1 and divide the blank 1 into several areas. The blank 1 may be divided into a first side surface 3, a second side surface 4, a front surface 5, a rear surface 6, a sealing surface 7, bottom surfaces 8 and gable surfaces 9. From the blank 1, a packing jacket can be formed by the blank 1 is folded such that the sealing surface 7 connected to the front surface 5, in particular can be welded.

Fig. 1B shows a known from the prior art packing jacket 10 in the flat folded state. Already related to Fig. 1A described areas of the packing jacket are in Fig. 1B provided with corresponding reference numerals. The packing jacket 10 is made of the in Fig. 1A formed blank 1 formed. For this purpose, the blank 1 has been folded such that the sealing surface 7 and the front surface 5 are arranged overlapping, so that the two surfaces can be welded together flat. The result is a longitudinal seam 11. In Fig. 1B the packing jacket 10 is shown in a flat folded state. In this state, a side surface 4 (in Fig. 1B hidden) under the front surface 5 while the other side surface 3 on the rear surface 6 (in Fig. 1B covered). In the flat folded state, a plurality of packing shells 10 can be stacked particularly space-saving. Therefore, the packing shells 10 are often stacked at the place of manufacture and transported in batches to the place of filling Only there the packing shells are stacked and unfolded to be filled with contents, such as food.

In Fig. 1C is the packing jacket 10 made 1B shown in the unfolded state. Again, those are already related Fig. 1A or Fig. 1B described Provided areas of the packing jacket with corresponding reference numerals. The unfolded state is understood to mean a configuration in which an angle of approximately 90 ° forms between the two respectively adjacent surfaces 3, 4, 5, 6, so that the packing jacket 10 has a square or rectangular shape, depending on the shape of these surfaces Cross section has. Accordingly, the opposite side surfaces 3, 4 are arranged parallel to each other. The same applies to the front surface 5 and the rear surface 6.

The Figures 1D and 1E show the packing jacket 10 from Fig. 1C in the filled and closed state. In the area of the bottom surfaces 8 and in the region of the gable surfaces 9, a fin seam 12 is produced after closure. In addition, protruding areas of excess material, which are also referred to as "ears" 13, are formed in the edge regions of the bottom surfaces 8 and the gable surfaces 9. In Fig. 1D stand the fin seams 12 and ears 13 from. In Fig. 1E Both the fin seams 12 and the ears 13 were applied, such as by adhesive bonding. The resulting from the gable surfaces 9 - ie upper - ears 13 are applied to the side surfaces 3, 4, while the resultant by the bottom surfaces 8 - ie lower - ears 13 are applied to the underside of the package jacket 10. (Annotation: Fig. 1E will be adjusted accordingly!) In Fig. 1E Therefore, the packaging jacket 10 is shown in a salable condition.

Fig. 2 shows a device 14 according to the invention for unfolding, filling and closing of packaging shells 10 in a plan view. The device 14 initially comprises a transport device, in which it is in the in Fig. 2 illustrated and so far preferred embodiment is a circulating, endless conveyor belt 15 with attached cells 16 for receiving and transporting the pack coats 10. The conveyor belt 15 and the cells 16 are preferably arranged in a horizontal plane. The device 14 also comprises a device 17 for unfolding and feeding the packing shells 10 to the transport device. This device 17 comprises a singulator 18 for singulating and providing the flat Packing jackets 10 and a transfer unit 19. In the singulator 18 may be, for example, a magazine from which the flat packing shells 10 are pushed out individually. The transfer unit 19 can be designed, for example, as a rotating drum with suction elements for sucking the packing shells 10. The device 17 is also referred to as "infeed".

After the in Fig. 2 not shown Vorfaltung is a first means 20 for discharging defective packing coats 10 from the cells 16 of the transport device provided. For the detection of damaged packing shells 10, the device 20 may comprise a sensor. Furthermore, the device 14 has a device 21 for sterilizing the pack coats 10. This may be from the WO 2010/142278 A1 act known device. Subsequently thereto, a device 22 for folding and closing the bottom surfaces 8 of the packing shells 10 is provided as part of the device 14, followed by a second device 20 for discharging defective packaging sheaths 10. The closing of the bottom surfaces 8 can be effected by activation of the packaging material with hot air or by suitable welding or adhesive methods. The devices 24, 21, 22 are arranged in a region in which the cells 16 of the transport device are guided along a straight line.

Furthermore, the in Fig. 2 Device 14 shown means 23 for filling the packaging coats 10 with contents. This device 23 is designed as a rotary, so that the packing shells 10 are guided in the region of this device 23 along a circular path. After filling, the packaging shells 10 are guided into a device 24 for folding and closing the gable surfaces 9 of the packaging shells 10. The closing of the gable surfaces 9 can also be done by activation of the packaging material with hot air or by suitable welding or adhesive methods. The device 14 also comprises a device 25 for removing the now filled and sealed packing jackets 10 from the cells 16 of the transport device. This device 25 may comprise, for example, gripping arms and a conveyor belt for guiding the packing sheaths 10 removed from the transport device away from the device 14. The device 25 is also referred to as "outfeed". Furthermore, a device 26 is provided for the final production of the packing shells 10, by which is meant, for example, the application and sticking of the protruding "ears" 13 of the packing shells 10. Finally, a device 27 for conditioning the cells 16 is provided. This device 27 is arranged between the "outfeed" 25 and the "infeed" 17 and is therefore located in a region in which the cells 16 do not carry packing shells 10. In this way, the cells 16 can be conditioned particularly well by the device 27, which means, for example, a cleaning, disinfecting or drying of the cells 16.

In the Fig. 2 shown device 14 is characterized by a specially trained aseptic chamber 28. The cells 16 of the transport device are arranged at least in the region of the devices 21, 22, 23 and 24 within the aseptic chamber 28. In this way, the degree of sterility achieved in the device 21 by the sterilization can largely be maintained in the following devices 22, 23 and 24. The conveyor belt 15, however, always runs outside of the aseptic chamber 28th

Fig. 3 shows a part of in Fig. 2 illustrated device 14 in cross section along in Fig. 2 Plotted sectional plane III-III. The selected view is a cross-section through the aseptic chamber 28. The aseptic chamber 28 has a wall 29 which encompasses the cells 16 of the transport means. The cells 16 have a back wall 30, side walls 31 and - in Fig. 3 not shown - spring elements. The spring elements are made of an elastic material, such as spring steel or a flexible plastic and serve to hold the packing shells 10 in the cells 16 or clamp. The size of the cell 16 is sized to match the size of the package sheath 10 coordinated that both the bottom surfaces 8 and the gable surfaces 9 of the packing shells 10 protrude downwards or upwards out of the cell 16. This facilitates the accessibility of the bottom and gable surfaces 8, 9 so that they can easily be folded and sealed while being held by the cells 16.

The rear wall 30 of in Fig. 3 shown cell 16 is connected via a support arm 32 and a mounting plate 33 with the conveyor belt 15. The support arm 32 is led out of the aseptic chamber 28 through a slot 34, this slot 34 being sealed by a seal 35. In other words, therefore, the cell 16 is disposed within the aseptic chamber 28 and enclosed by the wall 29, while the conveyor belt 15 is disposed outside the aseptic chamber 28.

In Fig. 4 Finally, the course of a method according to the invention for unfolding, filling and closing of packaging coats 10 is shown in a schematic representation. Already related to Fig. 2 described stations of the device 14 are in Fig. 4 provided with corresponding reference numerals.

Initially, the packing shells 10 are introduced into the cells 16 of the transport device. This is done by the device 17. In the device 20 then the defective packing shells 10 are discharged from the transport device while the proper or undamaged packing shells 10 enter the sterilizer 21 and in the aseptic chamber 28. Subsequent to the sterilization, the folding and sealing of the bottom surfaces 8 takes place in the device 22. Thereafter, the defective packaging shells 10 are again ejected, with the packaging sheaths having to be discharged not only from the transport device but also from the aseptic chamber 28. In the device 23, the packing shells 10 are then filled with contents before the gable surfaces 9 are folded in the device 24 and sealed. Following this are the filled and closed Packungsmäntel 10 discharged through the device 25 from both the transport device and from the aseptic chamber 28. This is followed by a final production of the packing shells 10 in the device 26. Before the cells 16 receive the next packing shells 10, a conditioning takes place, for example a cleaning of the cells 16 in the device 27. The final production of the packaging shells 10 in the device 26 and the conditioning The cells 16 in the device 27 can be made simultaneously.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1:

cut

2:

fold line

3, 4:

faces

5:

front surface

6:

rear surface

7:

sealing surface

8th:

floor area

9:

gable area

10:

pack casing

11:

longitudinal seam

12:

fin seal

13:

ears

14:

Device for unfolding, filling and closing packaging coats

15:

conveyor belt

16:

cell

17:

Device for unfolding and feeding pack coats

18:

separating device

19:

Transfer unit

20:

Device for removing defective packaging coats

21:

Device for sterilizing packaging coats

22:

Device for folding and closing the bottom surfaces of the packaging shells

23:

Device for filling packaging coats

24:

Device for folding and closing the gable surfaces of the packaging shells

25:

Device for removing packaging coats from the transport device

26:

Device for the final production of packaging coats

27:

Device for conditioning the cells of the transport device

28:

Aseptic chamber

29:

Wall of the aseptic chamber

30:

Rear wall of the cell

31:

Sidewall of the cell

32:

holding arm

33:

mounting plate

34:

slot

35:

poetry

Claims (22)

1. Device (14) for unfolding, aseptically filling, and aseptically closing packing sleeves (10) comprising:

   - a conveying apparatus, which comprises a conveyor belt (15) and cells (16) connected to the conveyor belt (15) for transporting the packing sleeves (10),

   - an apparatus (17) for unfolding the packing sleeves and feeding the packing sleeves (10) to the cells (16) of the conveying apparatus,

   - an apparatus (21) for sterilising the packing sleeves (10),

   - an apparatus (22) for folding and closing the bottom surfaces (8) of the packing sleeves (10),

   - an apparatus (23) for filling the packing sleeves (10) with contents,

   - an apparatus (24) for folding and closing the gable surfaces (9) of the packing sleeves (10), and having

   - an aseptic chamber (28),

   characterised in that
   the cells (16) are arranged within the aseptic chamber (28) at least in a partial region of the device (14), while the conveyor belt (15) is arranged outside the aseptic chamber (28).
2. Device according to Claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the aseptic chamber (28) has a wall (29) with a slit (34) running in the transport direction.
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that
   the cells (16) at least in the region of the
   apparatus (21) for sterilising the packing sleeves (10), the

   - apparatus (22) for folding and closing the bottom surfaces (8) of the packing sleeves (10), the

   - apparatus (23) for filling the packing sleeves (10) with contents, and the

   - apparatus (24) for folding and closing the gable surfaces (9) of the packing sleeves (10)

   are arranged within the aseptic chamber (28).
4. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that
   the device (14) has an apparatus (25) for removing the filled and closed packing sleeves (10) from the cells (16) of the conveying apparatus.
5. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4,
   characterised in that
   the conveyor belt (15) and the cells (16) are arranged in a horizontal plane.
6. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5,
   characterised in that
   the device (14) has apparatuses for pre-folding the bottom surfaces (8) and the gable surfaces (9) of the packing sleeves (10).
7. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6,
   characterised in that
   the device (14) has at least one apparatus (20) for ejecting defective packing coverings (10) from the cells (16) and in particular from the aseptic chamber (28).
8. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7,
   characterised in that
   the device (14) has an apparatus (26) for finishing the packing sleeves (10), in particular for applying the ears (13) of the packing sleeves (10).
9. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8,
   characterised in that
   the device (14) has an apparatus (27) for conditioning the cells (16), in particular for cleaning, disinfecting and/or drying the cells (16).
10. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9,
    characterised in that
    the apparatus (23) for filling the packing coverings (10) with contents is a rotary machine.
11. Method for unfolding, aseptically filling, and aseptically closing packing sleeves (10) comprising the following steps:

    a) unfolding and conveying the packing sleeves (10) to cells (16) fastened to on a conveyor belt (15),

    b) sterilising the packing sleeves (10),

    c) folding and closing the bottom surfaces (8) of the packing sleeves (10),

    d) filling the packing sleeves (10) with contents, and

    e) folding and closing the gable surfaces (9) of the packing sleeves (10),

    characterised in that
    the cells (16) are guided at least in a partial region of the method through an aseptic chamber (28), while the conveyor belt (15) is guided outside the aseptic chamber (28).
12. Method according to Claim 11,
    characterised in that
    the cells (16) at least during steps b), c), d) and e) are guided through the aseptic chamber (28).
13. Method according to Claim 11 or 12,
    characterised by
    the following step, which is implemented after step a) and before step b):

    aa) pre-folding of the bottom surfaces (8) and/or the gable surfaces (9) of the packing sleeves (10).
14. Method according to any one of Claims 11 to 13, characterised by the following step, which is implemented after step a), in particular after step aa) and before step b):

    ab) ejecting of defective packing sleeves (10) from the cells (16) of the conveying apparatus.
15. Method according to any one of Claims 11 to 14, characterised by the following step, which is implemented after step c) and before step d):

    ca) ejecting defective packing sleeves (10) from the cells (16) of the conveying apparatus and from the aseptic chamber (28).
16. Method according to any one of Claims 11 to 15,
    characterised in that
    the packing sleeves (10) are guided along a circular path during step d).
17. Method according to any one of Claims 11 to 16, characterised by the following step, which is implemented after step e):

    f) removing the filled and closed packing sleeves (10) from the cells (16) of the conveying apparatus.
18. Method according to any one of Claims 11 to 17, characterised by the following step, which is implemented after step f):

    g) finishing the packing sleeves (10) in particular applying the ears (13) of the packing sleeves (10).
19. Method according to any one of Claims 11 to 18 characterised by the following step, which is implemented after step f):

    h) conditioning of the cells (16) of the conveying apparatus, in particular, cleaning, disinfecting and/or drying the cells (16) of the conveying apparatus.
20. Method according to any one of Claims 11 to 19,
    characterised in that
    the conveyor belt (15) and the cells (16) have a constant speed.
21. Method according to any one of Claims 11 to 20,
    characterised in that
    the conveyor belt (15) and the cells (16) are guided in a horizontal plane.
22. Method according to any one of Claims 11 to 21,
    characterised in that
    within the aseptic chamber (28) a continuous feeding of sterile air occurs.

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